Category: Steel Prophet

Steel Prophet

4/15/2019

Los Angeles based, US Heavy / Power metal legends STEEL PROPHET are back with their new massive sounding heavy metal album “The God Machine”,
out on April 26th via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records!

STEEL PROPHET:
R.D. Liapakis - Lead & Background Vocals (Mystic Prophecy, Devil’s Train)
Steve Kachinsky - Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards
Jon Paget - Lead Guitar
Vince Dennis - Bass (Body Count, ex-World in Pain, ex-Dia de los Muertos, ex-Tourniquet, ex-Prong (live), ex-Obscene Gesture)
John ‘JT’ Tarascio - Drums

STEEL PROPHET announce the release date and track list of their upcoming album “The God Machine”! Five years after the release of their latest album "Omniscient" the band recruited the all-star Heavy Metal singer / producer R.D. Liapakis of MysticProphecy / Devil'sTrain and his uniquely ranged vocal skills to perfectly match the songs on "The God Machine". R.D. Liapakis is not just only the man behind the microphone though since he, alongside Steve Kachinsky is responsible for the songwriting and production process of the album. “The God Machine” will be released through ROAR! Rock of Angels Records, physically and digitally worldwide on April 26th, 2019.

The voice of R.D. Liapakis sounds tough, bluesy and strong, with wide range, power and style. The high notes come effortlessly, and the lead vocals make you want to stand up and wail along
with his singing. The drums sound huge and perfectly combine that old-school punch feeling you get in classic heavy metal albums while sounding fresh and up to date at the same time.
The guitar work on the album sounds like all the hallowed marks of Heavy Metal classics with speedy licks and fast, furious and melodic riffs and solos complimented by fat basslines that anchor all instruments into a magnificent combo highlighting the amazing vocal lines. Each song is a delight by itself and elements of thrash, doom, and even some Scorpions tinged melodicism can be found in the band's US Power Metal. If you live and breathe the spirit of Heavy Metal you will be astonished by "The God Machine" in its entirety. Produced by Steve Kachinsky and R.D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil’s Train, Suicidal Angels, Firewind, Eldritch, Silius, FireForce and many more). Mixed and mastered by “Best Producer 2017-Heavy Music Award” winner Henrik Udd at Henrik Udd Recording Studios(Architects, BringMeTheHorizon, Hammerfall, Powerwolf etc), who gave "The God Machine" a smooth and polished, yet brutally heavy sound.

The album starts with the absolute banger album title song “The God Machine”, featuring furious rhythms, fast riffing and catchy arena choruses preparing the ground for “Crucify” which along with “Dark Mask / Between Love And Hate” will catapult the listener back to the best NWOBHM years while “Thrashed Relentlessly” is the definition of US power metal riffing! Songs like “Damnation Calling” and “Lucifer / The Devil Inside” will bring in mind the mighty “Headless Cross” Black Sabbath,Tony Martin era. The album’s multidimensional yet classic Heavy Metal mark is ultimately revealed to the listener as soon as the power ballad “Buried And Broken” kicks in! “The God Machine” is a high quality metal album that will become an instant classic among STEEL PROPHET’s catalogue!

The God Machine Tracklist
01 - The God Machine    3:22
02 - Crucify    4:04
03 - Thrashed Relentlessly    4:36
04 - Dark Mask (Between Love And Hate)    3:09
05 - Damnation Calling    5:31
06 - Soulhunter    3:57
07 - Buried And Broken    4:36
08 - Lucifer - The Devil Inside    3:38
09 - Fight, Kill    4:05
10 - Life = Love = God Machine    4:03

Steel Prophet - "The God Machine"
Rock Of Angels Records Release: 26 April 2019
Available as LTD. Digipack CD (including logo patch),
Red/Black Splatter Vinyl (Strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide) & Digital format.

Buy The Album

About Steel Prophet

The highly respected STEEL PROPHET, hailing from Van Nuys in California, deliver technically minded Progressive Heavy Metal. The band was actually assembled in Middletown, Connecticut during 1983, at first involving guitarist Steve Kachinsky Blakmoor, frontman Gary Stocking and drummer Harry Blackwell. A four track demo was recorded working with co-producer Mike Arafeh. A second set of songs, billed 'Resurrection' and recorded at The Center for Media Arts in New York, again saw Mike Arafeh behind the desk with a third session, in 1985, tracked at The SynHouse. The band then evolved, drawing in singer Dave Brooks, bassist Wayne Faircloth and John Tarascio on drums to record a song 'In The Dream', donated to the 'Iron Tyrants Vol.2' compilation album in 1987. STEEL PROPHET would then commit to the studio for the 'Steel Prophet' demo tape.

In 1988 Kachinsky Blakmoor and Tarascio relocated to Los Angeles, California, re-building an all new STEEL PROPHET with vocalist Scott Lindsenbard, guitarist Domenic Chavira and bassist Vince du Juan Dennis. Before long Nick Mantis of ASCENDENCE usurped Lindsenbard and the group's next effort, 'Visions Of Force', was released by Tru Star Entertainment. in 1988. Still in flux, the band pulled in new second guitarist Jon Paget and Rick Mythiasin, having a fleeting association with PANTERA, as new singer. Yet another demo, 'Inner Ascendance', arrived in 1989. Reaction to this demo in Europe was strong and in 1992 the material was thought highly enough of the Metal underground to share space with JAG PANZER on an infamous bootleg release.

Throughout the early nineties STEEL PROPHET engaged in extensive live work across California, opening for the likes of MANOWAR, SAXON, ARMORED SAINT, CANDLEMASS, FATES WARNING, SACRED REICH and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM amongst many others. The group signed to Foundations 2000 Records, cutting pre-production tapes in anticipation of an album release. When no schedule was forthcoming, the band self-financed their commercial debut. 'The Goddess Principle' album was released in 1995 on the Brainstorm Division imprint. The recording roster for this outing comprised singer Rick Mythiasin, guitarists Steve Kachinsky and Horacio Colmenares, bass player Vince du Juan Dennis with John Tarascio on drums. The Art of Music label in Germany picked up a license for European release.

A five song EP, 'Continuum', was delivered in 1996. Another shift witnessed the departure of both Colmenares, forging NEW EDEN, and Tarascio and the subsequent installation of Jon Pons on guitar and drummer Pete Parada. This revised formation crafted the 1997 album 'Into The Void (Hallucinogenic Conception)'. The album comprised numerous re-works of earlier material including 'Passage Of Time (Amber Leaves)' and 'The Revenant', previously known as 'Dogs Of War', both originally from the band's 1986 demo and a cover of IRON MAIDEN's 'Purgatory'. Guitarist Bernie Versye contributes to the song 'Hate'.

The band signed a new record deal with leading German label Nuclear Blast Records in 1998 to record the 'Dark Hallucinations' album in the spring of 1999. These tracks were laid down with new drummer Pat McGrath, a scene veteran of RIOT, PROTOTYPE and KILLING CULTURE. Studio guests on 'Dark Hallucinations' included guitarist TRIBE OF GYPSIES guitarist Roy Z., AGENT STEEL's Bernie Versailles and Joe Floyd of WARRIOR. To market 'Dark Hallucinations' the band toured across Europe backing GAMMA RAY, EDGUY and with ROLAND GRAPOW's solo band, as well as appearing at the 'Wacken Open Air' festival. During 1999 STEEL PROPHET cut their homage to JUDAS PRIEST with their take on 'Dream Deceiver' appearing on the 'Hell Bent For Metal' tribute album.

The next studio effort, entitled 'Messiah' released in January 2000, had Kevin Cafferty involved as session drummer. Upon release John Pons was replaced by Jim Williams to undertake another round of European shows sharing stages with ANGEL DUST and LEFAY. STEEL PROPHET's 2000 release 'Genesis' comprises the band's 1989 'Inner Ascendance' demo together with various cover versions of tracks by JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH and surprisingly SIMPLE MINDS.

STEEL PROPHET drafted ex-SORG member Petter Karl Rosqvist on drums in 2001, working with WARRIOR's Joe Floyd as producer to record 'The Book Of The Dead' album at Silver Cloud Studios. The band's first nationwide US tour had the group flanking HELSTAR and REIGN OF TERROR with notable stops at the Milwaukee Metalfest XV, Progpower 2, Utltrasound 2001 and the Powermad festival. Mythiasin would embark on a side project assembled by Tobias Exxel of German act EDGUY. This union, the 'Spirit Of Freedom' album, was released under the TARAXACUM banner in 2001. The singer would also session on the late 2001 REDEMPTION project assembled by guitarist Nick Van Dyk.

In February 2002 the combination of Joe Floyd and Silver Cloud Studios was revisited in order to render next album 'Unseen'. Rick Mythiasin made his exit from STEEL PROPHET to concentrate solely on TARAXACUM during July 2002. However, by September, and despite breaking his leg in three places whilst trying to perform a handstand, Mythiasin had enrolled with NEW EDEN for their 'Stagnant Progression'. The ex-singer subsequently forged the suitably titled MYTHIASIN.

2002 would also bring about the arrival of VINDIKATION, a new band featuring STEEL PROPHET members guitarist Jim Williams and drummer Karl Rosqvist working with vocalist Jason McCrarey of SANCTUS and WINDS DIED DOWN keyboard player Rob Rampley. This unit soon set to work on an album entitled 'Chamber of Discontent'. Rick Mythiasin acted as session guest.

In a surprise move in April 2003 STEEL PROPHET called upon the services of former Glam star Nadir D'Priest as their new frontman. The new singer was best known for fronting Los Angeles 80s bands LONDON and D'PRIEST as well as issuing a 1998 Spanish language album 'Tatuaje' billing himself as ANTONIO NADIR. The group also added guitarist Pete Skermetta at the same juncture. By November the new look band, having debuted on the live front at the 'Dwell in Darkness' festival in Phoenix, Arizona, had completed a set of demos in preparation for a new studio album 'Beware', having switched labels from Nuclear Blast to Massacre Records. February 2004 found the band parting ways with drummer Karl Rosqvist, leaving to join THE DISCIPLES, and replacing him with returning skinsman Kevin Cafferty. 'Beware', surfacing in July, saw release through Nightmare Records in the USA, Massacre Records in Europe, Canada and Australia and Megahard Records in South America. European variants added a bonus DVD disc consisting of live material, documentary and promotional video for the song 'Leatherette'. The US version too added a bonus disc, this comprising the 'Eyes Of The Prophet (Visions Past)' album. This extra material also saw a European release as a separate, limited edition vinyl picture disc issued by Hellion Records.

October witnessed a major shake up in the ranks as the band parted ways with guitarist Pete Skermetta, drummer Kevin Cafferty and bassist Vince Dennis. Newly installed in a quick fire swap would be NEW EDEN guitarist Tim Thomas, HELLION, MOTHER MERCY, Orange County acts BRAT PRINCE and SHATTERED, besides DEF LEPPARD tribute act PYROMANIA credited bassist Glenn Cannon and Gene McEwen, veteran of ARMED FORCES and PROJECT STEIGER on drums. This revised line up debuted on 18th December at The Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood.

In April 2005 STEEL PROPHET announced that AGENT STEEL singer Bruce Hall had become the new frontman. In side activity, Glenn Cannon activated Gothic Industrial band HADES INFERNO. Steve Kachinsky-Blakmoor activated a Death / Thrash side venture billed DEATH FOLLOWS A SHADOW in collaboration with the erstwhile ENRAGED pairing of vocalist Charlie Z and bassist Jason Lenhard. An EP, 'Five Stages Of Death', arrived in May. In June Gene McEwen joined ex-ANTHRAX singer NEIL TURBIN's live band.

Vocalist Rick Mythiasin rejoined STEEL PROPHET in March 2007 for new album recordings.
13th September 2008 saw Steel Prophet headlining the famous German Swordbrothers Festival, but for this gig they surprisingly played without Steve Kachinsky.
The 2008 release The Shallows Of Forever by Steel Legacy Records consists of very old recordings from a time before the band had even released their first demo Inner Ascendance.

In February 2011, Steve Kachinsky announced on the official Steel Prophet internet forum that the band has got 8 songs ready and will start recording the new album when another 6 songs
will be done. The album will contain a new metal version of the fun-song Oleander that was the outro of their 2001 album Book Of The Dead.

Over the course of 2014, the band began re-releasing their previous albums as remastered vinyl editions, starting with the release of The Goddess Principle on January 31 (limited to 400
pcs worldwide, including a limited 150 pcs worldwide edition with black & white splatter look and bonus Steel Prophet logo pin & patch) and continuing with the Continuum EP and Into the Void combined on one release on September 19 (CD version including a limited Steel Prophet logo patch) and November 28 (vinyl version, including a limited to 150 pcs worldwide blue vinyl edition with Steel Prophet logo pin). On July 8, 2014, Steel Prophet released their long-awaited album "Omniscient" featuring Rick Mythiasin's vocals once again.On March 18, the album was also released on vinyl (including a limited to 150 pcs worldwide mint-green vinyl edition).

On August 8, 2015, Rick Mythiasin announced on his official projects Facebook page that he was no longer in Steel Prophet, stating "I'm not doing another Steel Prophet album or performance again, I'm done for good, expect a new Mystic Force album & Human Entity cd soon and in the future my local, project scream at the sky".

On February 2, 2019, Steel Prophet has announced in its official facebook site new singer R.D. Liapakis of Mystic Prophecy and upcoming new studio album 'God Machine' in 2019.
Disography
1986 - Steel Prophet (Demo)
1988 - Visions of Force (Demo)
1989 - Inner Ascendance (Demo)
1995 - The Goddess Principle (full-length, rerelease 2014 on vinyl)
1996 - Continuum (EP)
1997 - Into the Void (Hallucinogenic Conception) (full-length)
1999 - Dark Hallucinations (full-lenght)
2000 - Messiah (full-lenght)
2000 - Genesis (Compilation)
2001 - Book of the Dead (full-lenght)
2002 - Unseen (full-lenght)
2003 - Promo CD 03 (Demo)
2004 - Beware (full-length)
2004 - Eyes of the Prophet (Visions Past) (Compilation)
2008 - Shallows of Forever (Compilation)
2014 - Into The Void/Continuum (full-length, vinyl)